COLLECTORS OF FILTH BOOKS AND ZINES

[online prowler]

Hei folks,

I couldn't find any thread for collectors to discuss common interests in filth, art plus related books and zines. This can be rare, out-of-print to new material. Hopefully in the posts to follow we can share our interests and discover new titles. Looking forward to see what will surface.

[online prowler]

A little look at the historical connections between Japanese bdsm illustrations and contemporary ero guro mangas.

Suehiro Maruo.

Suehiro Maruo's (b. 1956) nightmarish manga fall into the Japanese category of "erotic grotesque" (エログロ; "ero-guro"). His unique take on the genre inflicts sadism, psychological horror and zeitgeist angst into the realm of fables and fairy-tales. The result is something like an amplified 'broken moral tale' - teeming with deformation, ultra violence, psychedelics bizarre and deviant erotica - all executed with pop culture sensibility and drenched in cultural references from folklore to classical and contemporary art; literature and film. This fascination runs as a red river throughout his practice. Beyond the realm of manga, study for instance the bdsm-charged 90s-design for John Zorn's Naked City releases. At first glance the graphic and omnipresent violence may over-shadow deeper streams in Suehiro's storytelling. But given time, one can explore various junctions in Japanese history to the sociopolitical climate during the early Showa Era (1926–1989) - where most of his stories takes place. Suehiro's works are recognized as being meticulous and detailed with a highly effective and carefully arranged visual language that harness its historical roots from Ukiyo-e era artist Yoshitoshi Tsukioka (1839 – 1892) - to Kurotei Kazuhisa aka Suku Gurote / SUK - who's work prominent throughout mid-1950s and '60s Kitan Clubs. Studying masters Yoshitoshi and SUK, one can vision where both Maruo and the ero-guro traditon takes its pitch in terms of visual aesthetics and thematic content.

Maruo, Camellia Girl:


Maruo, Yume No Q-Saku:









Art by SUK (Kazuhisa Hantei aka Gurote Suku) lifted from Kitan Club magazine issue 4 and 12, 1954.

[online prowler]

I remember Mikko mentioning those drawings before in the following forum thread - thanks for sharing them here! http://www.special-interests.net/forum/index.php?topic=126.msg14278#msg14278

There was a couple of general threads in the past for art/erotic books and filth in zines etc, but they haven't been updated in ages. Curious to see what's posted here in the future.

When you mention that thread I recall it, but not the actual post your refer to. I must commemorate you on your good recollection. Hadn't read the postings you refer to in ages.

Have to admit, I leafed very fast through the forum and did some searches, but ended up w nothing. Was thinking of a broader term for sharing insight and talking about books. Maybe posting latest purchases - new and old, recommendations, photos from collections, essays, general discussion - you name it: Whatever the posting fanatic feels might contribute to the cause.

The Kitan Club image you and Mikko refer to is as lifted from a magazine from 1954 as mentioned above. If I recall correctly it was part of a either four - or six page mini spread. Have it somewhere, can double check.

[online prowler]

Bizarre Uproar "Visual Document 2005-2010". A recent acquisition.

[Euro Trash Bazooka]

DEATH SIDE used an image posted above as a cover for their first EP.

[online prowler]

Great info. I wasn't aware of that.

In his book 'Yume No Q-Saku' Maruo bases a lot - if not all of his illustrations between the stories on classic and silent film era freaks. If I recall some of the characters in the book are also abbreviations of the aforementioned. At the moment I cannot catch where the actual image is borrowed from in Maruo's case. I reckon the record cover makes use of the original still. Maybe someone else have a better memory than me re the image and possible movie? Anyone?

[THE RITA HN]

Maybe someone else have a better memory than me re the image and possible movie? Anyone?

You mean the famous Phantom of the Opera (1925) image?
Probably one of the most used and iconic horror images of all time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI0tWZc8gP4
I have a good selection of Maruo books from back in the 1990s (thanks to Joe Lombardo living in Japan at the time), and yes, there are always plenty of amazing references to silent film era characters, etc. in his illustrations. 

[online prowler]

Oi guys!

- Phantom of the Opera (1925) - Yes! Thanx for reviving my memory. A classic. You lucky bastard! A mate or cousin in Japan is what we all wish for. My first discovery of his art was via Naked City album covers, the comics came later.

I agree Silvum. Maruo's meltingpot appropriation of film history, Japanese - plus popular culture is exhilarating and expertly crafted. Like you say: A scalpel.

[online prowler]

Sadao Hasegawa

I've been aware of his art in the form of cover illustrations on a Jap gay magz. Thanx for putting a name to the images. Will check out more of his works. Your description of him is to the point.

[THE RITA HN]

I remember playing this at a genre him festival I used to help program years ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98-dXUu6yf0

[online prowler]

I remember playing this at a genre him festival I used to help program years ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98-dXUu6yf0

MIDORI. Classic.

[Kayandah]

Have to be honest I was always more into direct pornography but in relation to the material discussed so far I recall paying quite a lot for a few Michael Manning books (his spider garden series) from some dodgy shop in Soho. Of course nowadays you can go online and buy it...

I was also a huge collector of the Private hardcore porn magazines, they had Private, Pirate, Triple X and Sex, for a long time the UK would only sell censored versions (no anal, no cumshot) so you either paid under the counter prices or went abroad and got them. I offloaded the whole lot to a shop in Zurich that specialised in old porn, great shop no idea if it still exists.

More recently I wish Mikko would do more IOPS journals, seems a shame to only do two issues.

[garbagebody]

I know its a definite shot in the dark but I suppose it relates to the topic so i might as well ask. Within the new Park film "The Handmaiden," multiple Japanese erotic texts were mentioned. The only title I recall off-hand was "The Lizard Skin." I'm curious if anyone has any clue on this book's basis on real literature if there is any or if it is purely a fictional piece created for the film. Also any information on any of the art/literature used within the film would be of interest.

[online prowler]

Short visit into Yomikiri Romance issue 9, 1952 via crappy docu shots.

Forgive me for the shitty documentation photos of said magazine. My intent was to scan a few solid pages to you, but concerned with ruining the condition of this 66 year old magazine I opted for aperturing it w my camera thinking it would suffice. But standing by the dinner table in the July sunset I cornered myself again and only mustered to leaf open the magazine enough to have a glance as not to ruin the inner book gutter - eventhough it looks fine. After the worst obessions had subsided we have this. Nothing to brag - or write to your granny about. Nevertheless a short look.

As you know I am a stickler for the Japanese Kitan Club magazine - and this rag, Yomikiri, was initated around the same time - namely in the early '50s while KC was established around 1947. Yomikiri and Kitan were two of the first magazines completely dedicated to shibari and kinbaku photography. Our current concern was edited by Uchida Akiraro. Most historical and current Japanese bdsm magazines follow the main presentation traits as laid out by KC and Yomikiri. I cannot comment if this has to do with influence, but it is for certain an interesting coincidence and study how to pitch smut and art. Well, back to Yomikiri Romance... For those of you unfamilair with the ink the catalogue is of a similar layout as Kitan Club and showcases a high-quality richness in portrayed Kinbaku-bi, illustrations and texts. I would be so bold to state that the knibaku photos themselves qualify as works of art. Personally, I think in terms of black and white æsthetics as well as craftsmanship that they are some of the best I've seen in the genre, and I have to admit to myself that they even surpass Kitan Club's interiors at times. To my eyes, the images from this 1952 magazine are perfect. Anyways, just wanted to share these images with you. Apologies again for the quality.

[online prowler]

Have to be honest I was always more into direct pornography but in relation to the material discussed so far I recall paying quite a lot for a few Michael Manning books (his spider garden series) from some dodgy shop in Soho. Of course nowadays you can go online and buy it...

I was also a huge collector of the Private hardcore porn magazines, they had Private, Pirate, Triple X and Sex, for a long time the UK would only sell censored versions (no anal, no cumshot) so you either paid under the counter prices or went abroad and got them. I offloaded the whole lot to a shop in Zurich that specialised in old porn, great shop no idea if it still exists.

More recently I wish Mikko would do more IOPS journals, seems a shame to only do two issues.

Personally I think you listed focus is well within the parameters of this thread. Anything goes in my opinion - no holds barred.

Hear you on IOPS journals! Crossing my fingers on that as well. Maybe the man himself have some thing up his sleeve now?

Re HANDMAIDEN... I recall various literature being referred to, but not sure of history or writers behind these. I did a quick search online on the Lizard, but it didn't bring anything direct up. But I am sure you can find something if you invest some time and if you do please let us know here.

-On a relared theme note..... I cannot recommend NEONS FANZINE latest mini-zine DADDY enough. Get it if you can! Top notch un-pc black humor filth!!